Without question, people do their best to publicize Justin and his coaches have worked diligently to ensure he is recognized because every talented player needs help to push him/her and market them. BTW, once Justin leaves for college, it is my intention to write a help book or informational pamphlet to assist other parents/coaches with their respective student/athletes marketability. And, how to do it under a budget.
But, to answer the questions;
First, he was able to go to Sweden and play with talented clubs because his family and friends were gracious enough to donate enough money for the trip and he worked over the summer for the trip. When he arrived in Sweden, the entire cost of the trip was covered by the locals and the Sweden soccer community. No one made any money for the trip, and it was a great opportunity. He made a 2 week training trip for $950.00 which was the cost of the plane ticket. And, he trained nearly every day he was there, including the day he arrived after a 26 hour plane ride. He could have attended a local camp for 4 days at a cost of approx. $500.00. So, locally, that trip would have cost approx. $2,700.00. This is something else I will put in the book.
Second, the website is free and a great resource. One scouting agency (not to be named) said they would take care of it for $2,800.00. Another part of the book.
Third, he was offered a tryout (after the official tryout) with the U18 Premier and he was offered a spot by Coach Khoury (I did not go down with him though). Unfortunately, the club costs, the transportation costs, the hotel costs, the food costs, and more importantly, the loss of time from his schoolwork were just too much for him and he made the decision not to play for that team. In addition, he asked me “If I make the sacrifice and play for this team, will it guarantee me a spot in college”, I answered “No”. He was also concerned about his friends on the Coastal team, and stated “I think my teammates need me”.
Fourth, He did work out with the ODP teams a few times, however, again (see above) the overall costs were too much.
Fifth, he has had some very talented coaches over the years. Albeit, sometimes the talent on the teams he has played with was not there, but he has played with many notables; Preston Meyers, Terrance/Darwin Deas, Chris Dixon, Jake Helmig, Jamal Geathers, John Cramer, Alex Broncato, Justin Horns, etc, etc, etc…
Sixth, I believe that Justin has shown that he his a talented player and he has done this on his own, on the field. Do I believe he is the top player in the state, No… Do I believe that he is a top prospect worthy of a full ride, emphatically no. It would be difficult however to dispute the fact that he is one of the top players in our area though and he has the potential of becoming even better, and “I” am Justin’s biggest critic. I have always told him, “You take care of what’s between the lines and I’ll take care everything outside the lines”. But, like many players, you have good games, bad games, and games where you just shake your head and say “What was that”.
Poor Justin, he doesn’t even use the computer, just try emailing him…...lol
He will find out about this conversation though because one of the ways I like to motivate him to play harder is to get him mad, which is not easy…. So, anyone can trash him because I have run out of sneaky ways to get him mad….lol BTW, he won’t be offended because if his skin is that thin, I have done a poor job…
Finally, There are so many ways to market a talented student/athlete for very little cost and as long as they are able to take care of business on the field, that job becomes so much easier.
Sorry….
Billy Belair is at Furman playing Golf,
Bobby Belair (Soc) - Very quick and talented. Scores frequently attacking through the midfield.
